GCC Reaffirms Commitment to Morocco's Sovereignty Over Sahara

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has reaffirmed its steadfast support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region during the UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) session in New York, held from June 9 to 20. This declaration reflects the GCC's long-standing position and highlights the strategic partnership between Morocco and its six member states: Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar.

In a joint statement delivered by the Kuwaiti representative, the GCC emphasized its commitment to advancing collaborative initiatives and safeguarding Morocco's territorial integrity. The statement not only reiterated support for Morocco's stance on the Sahara but also welcomed the recent resolution from the UN Security Council concerning the region.

The GCC praised the ongoing efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for the Sahara, encouraging all involved parties to engage in dialogue under UN auspices with a spirit of seriousness, realism, and mutual respect. Earlier this year, GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al Budaiwi voiced the Council's unwavering backing of Morocco's territorial integrity, especially regarding the southern provinces of  Sahara, framing it as a fundamental principle rooted in the robust ties between Morocco and the Gulf states.

Moreover, the Council highlighted its endorsement of the UN-led political process aimed at achieving a realistic and mutually acceptable resolution to the regional conflict. The GCC welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2756, adopted in October 2024, which extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, until October 2025, and urged all parties, including Algeria, to actively participate in the resolution process.

In addition to supporting Morocco's sovereignty, the GCC recognized Morocco's broader regional initiatives, notably the Atlantic Initiative. This strategic vision aims to enhance access for landlocked Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, thus promoting regional economic integration and cooperation.